New England Public Media | By Jill Kaufman
Published November 20, 2025 at 6:00 AM EST
On a recent November morning about a dozen people are at Atlas Farm, in Deerfield, Massachusetts. They have about an hour before a van arrives to collect 100 bags — huge bags — of lettuce . The produce will then be distributed to food pantries, shelters, and to area food banks that re-distribute food to other providers.
“Welcome to your first glean, if this is your first glean,” said Sarah Bluestein of Rachel’s Table, based in Springfield.
The number one rule she told them, don’t pick the wrong crop.
“Can I have everyone say your name and the town you’re coming from … ,” Bluestein said warming up the small group, many who knew each other from past gleans.